Bird feeder with disposable bird seed tray

ABSTRACT

A bird feeder system includes a tray, a packaging system, and a housing. The tray defines a receptacle configured to hold a consumable, such as bird seed. The packaging system is configured to retain the consumable in the receptacle of the tray. At least part of the packaging system is configured to open to allow access to the consumable in the receptacle. The housing has a tray engagement structure configured to secure the tray to the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/571,713filed Dec. 16, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

In the bird feeding industry, technological developments have generallyfocused on the care and well-being of birds at the exclusion of others.For example, bird feeding systems have been developed to preventsquirrels and other animals from stealing bird seed. However, thesedevelopments failed to consider the real consumer of bird seed, that is,the actual human purchaser of the bird seed. Typically, bird seed issold in bulk such as in large boxes and bags. These bulk packages can bequite heavy and can make the process of loading bird seed into a birdfeeder quite difficult. During loading, the bird seed can spill on theground which in turn can attract unwanted animals, such as rodents. Whenbuying in bulk, spoilage of the bird seed is also a concern. Thus, thereis a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

A bird feeder system has been developed to address the above-mentionedissues as well as other issues by making it more convenient forconsumers to purchase and load bird seed into a bird feeder. Generallyspeaking, the bird feeder includes a replaceable/disposable container ortray containing bird seed. In one example, the tray comes in the form ofa one-use container of loose bird seed that is inserted into a permanentbody that together with the container forms the bird feeder. Thepermanent body includes an eyelet, hook, or other mechanisms for hangingso that the combined feeder can be suspended in any number of manners,such as from a tree or a hanger. The permanent body also includes a roofor other type of overhead protection structure for protecting thecontainer of bird seed from the elements. The permanent body alsoincludes a coupling mechanism configured to secure the tray to thepermanent body. In one example, the coupling mechanism includes a grooveinto which the tray is slid, but the coupling mechanism can beconfigured differently in other examples. The disposable tray expeditescleaning of the bird feeder and replenishment of bird seed.

More specifically, the container or tray is designed for single use.Therefore, the container can be disposed of after the food containedwithin has been consumed or a new container is otherwise desired. Thecontainer can be purchased separately from the bird feeder housing andis pre-packed with bird seed or other consumables. The container is alsosealed to prevent spoilage or contamination of the contained food duringstorage or transportation. The sealing can be accomplished throughvarious methods.

The container can be surrounded by a plastic bag that is removed anddisposed of prior to use. The container can alternatively include aremovable top of plastic, paper, and/or metal and can optionally beremoved with an integrated ring or tab similar to canned goods or thelike. The top of the container can be perforated or scored to define aremovable section of the top. If the container is a tray, the lip of thetray can be used as a perch for birds feeding from the tray. The traycan also be mounted at an angle within the bird feeder to encouragereplenishment of accessible bird seed via gravitational effects on thebird seed.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andexamples of the present invention will become apparent from a detaileddescription and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bird feeder.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the FIG. 1 bird feeder.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a tray inserted intoconnection rails of the FIG. 1 bird feeder.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a tray for the FIG. 1 bird feeder thatincludes a perforated cover.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the FIG. 4 tray with the perforated coverremoved.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a tray for the FIG. 1 bird feeder packagedinside a bag.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of a tray for the FIG. 1 bird feeder thatincludes a releasable pull cover.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a tray for the FIG. 1 bird feeder thatincludes multiple bird seed receptacles.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the FIG. 8 tray with individual pull coversfor each of the receptacles.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a tray with a resealable lid for theFIG. 1 bird feeder.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 10 tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the examples illustrated in thedrawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described examples, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates. One example of the invention is shown in great detail, althoughit will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that somefeatures that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shownfor the sake of clarity.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bird feeder system 100. The birdfeeder system 100 includes a housing 102 and a tray or container 104that is designed to be detachably secured to the housing 102. The tray104 is designed to be readily removed from the housing 102. By beingreadily removable and replaceable, the tray 104 provides a convenientway for individuals to replenish bird seed 204 in the bird feeder 100.Typically, a bird feeder is refilled with bird seed by either luggingthe bag of bird seed out to location where the bird feeder is hung orotherwise located, or by removing the bird feeder from the tree andtaking it to the garage or shed where the bird seed is stored. Both ofthese ways of replenishing bird seed can be hazardous as well asinconvenient. For example, removal of the birdhouse or pouring bird seedinto the birdhouse may require a ladder or stepstool which can be quitehazardous for those with balance or motor skill issues, such as theelderly. Bird seed bags can be quite heavy which in turn can make itdifficult for elderly individuals to lift and replenish bird seed. Whileeating the bird seed, birds tend to leave droppings which can createsanitation and health issues. To address these as well as other issues,the tray 104 in one example is sold prefilled or prepackaged with birdseed for one-time use. After some, most, or all of the bird seed isused, the tray 104 is then discarded, if so desired. The tray 104 can bemade so as to be readily replaceable. For example, the tray 104 in oneexample is designed to be inexpensive such that the tray 104 can bediscarded in the garbage, recycled, or even composted after use. Bybeing recyclable or compostable, the tray 104 of the bird feeder 100 isnot only environmentally friendly but also convenient because anindividual does not have to experience the unpleasant task of cleaning abird feeder or even a tray contaminated with bird droppings.

The housing 102 can be made from a variety of materials including, butnot limited to, wood, plastics, and/or metal, to name just a fewexamples. The housing 102 includes a canopy or roof 106 that protectsthe bird seed within the tray 104 from precipitation, such as rain orsnow, debris, and exposure to the sun. In other examples, the housing102 may not have the canopy 106 such that the bird seed is exposed sothat birds can readily access the bird seed. A securing structure 107 issecured to the canopy 106 so that the bird feeder 100 can be secured toand/or hung from an object, such as a tree, porch, post, and/or hanger,to name just a few examples. In the illustrated example, the securingstructure 107 is in the form of an eyelet, but it should be recognizedthat the securing structure 107 can be configured differently in otherexamples. For instance, the securing structure 107 can be in the form ofan arm that is used to secure the housing 102 to a post or a tree. Withthe securing structure 107, the housing 102 remains attached to the treeor other structure, while the tray 104 can be readily removed andreplaced or replenished with bird seed on an as-needed basis. Thehousing 102 further includes one or more sidewalls 108 that are securedto the canopy 106. In the illustrated example, the sidewalls 108 arearranged in an opposing fashion and each include a window cut out oraccess opening 110 that provides ventilation as well as access to thebird seed on the tray 104 by birds. The access opening 110 can be sizedto allow certain sizes of birds within the bird feeder 100 to access thebird seed. The access opening 110 can also be sized to preventundesirable animals, such as raccoons or squirrels, from accessing thebird seed. In the illustrated example, the access opening 110 has apentagonal shape, but it is envisioned that in other examples, theaccess opening 110 can be shaped differently or not be present at all.The housing 102 further includes a tray engagement structure 112 that isconfigured to detachably secure the tray 104 to the housing 102. In theillustrated example, the tray engagement structure 112 includes one ormore tray engagement rails 114 that are disposed in the interior of thehousing 102 and secured to the interior sides of the sidewalls 108.

Turning to FIG. 2, which shows an exploded view of the bird feeder 100,the tray 104 includes a receptacle 202 configured to hold bird seed orother consumable foods 204. The tray 104 in one example is made fromdurable material such as wood and/or heavy plastics such that the tray104 can be cleaned and readily reused by being refilled with bird seed204. In another example, the tray 104 is made from inexpensive materialssuch that the tray 104 can be discarded in the garbage after use so asto eliminate the need of cleaning the tray 104 of bird droppings. Thetray 104 in still yet another example is made from environmentallyfriendly materials so as to be either recycle or composted. Forinstance, the tray 104 can be made from recyclable plastic, aluminum,and/or paper so that the tray 104 can be recycled after use if sodesired, thereby reducing or eliminating the need of cleaning the tray104. The tray 104 in other forms can be made from compostable materiallike the paper and/or cardboard used typically in egg cartons as well asrice paper. Various colors and textures can be integrated into thehousing 102 and/or tray 104 depending on consumer preference. Forexample, the bird feeder system 100 can be colored to blend into naturalwooded scenery with preferences towards greens and browns or withvarious colors to match residential homes. The tray 104 canalternatively or additionally be color coded to correspond to the typeof consumable housed within.

To promote stacking of trays 104 when full of bird seed 204 and/ornesting of trays 104 when empty, which can be helpful when storing thetrays 104 on store shelves, during manufacturing, during shipping, andat an individual's residence, the trays 104 in the illustrated exampleshave a generally rectangular box shape. This generally rectangular boxshape also is especially convenient for mail order delivery. Homeboundindividuals, such as the elderly, may not always be able to travel to astore to pick up bird seed. With the design of the tray 104, anindividual can order a prepackaged tray 104 filled with bird seed 204 tobe shipped to their residence on an as-needed basis or through asubscription service. The trays 104 in other examples can of course beshaped differently. The tray 104 defines a receptacle opening 206 so asto allow birds access to the bird seed 204 in the receptacle 202.Receptacle walls 208 of the tray 104 define the sides and bottom of thereceptacle 202. In the illustrated example, the receptacle opening 206is formed at the top of the tray 104 so that birds can readily accessthe bird seed 204 as well as to prevent spillage of the bird seed 204,but it is envisioned that the receptacle opening 206 can be formedelsewhere, and the tray 104 can include more than one receptacle opening206. For instance, multiple receptacle openings 206 can be formed in thereceptacle walls 208 along the sides of the tray 104. One or more of thereceptacle walls 208 can be eliminated or removed from the tray 104 inother examples so as to further facilitate access to the bird seed 204.The receptacle walls 208 of the tray 104 have a rim 209 that surroundsthe receptacle opening 206. The rim 209 can optionally be configured toenable birds to perch upon the rim 209 to consume the bird seed.Furthermore, the housing 102 can be designed such that when the tray 104is mounted to the housing 102, the bird can access and perch upon therim 209.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tray 104 includes a housing engagementstructure 210 that is configured to detachably secure the tray 104 tothe tray engagement structure 112 of the housing 102. The tray 104 issecured to the housing 102 in a detachable manner, so that the tray 104can be conveniently installed and removed without the need for extratools and without damaging the bird feeder 100. The tray 104 isdetachably secured to the housing 102 in such a manner that the tray 104is not readily dislodged from the housing 102 during high winds or otheradverse weather conditions. In the illustrated example, the housingengagement structure 210 includes one or more flanges 212. The flanges212 in the depicted example are located in an opposing manner atopposite ends of the tray 104 so as to provide added stability. Theflanges 212 in the illustrated example extend in a rigid manner from thetray 104, but in other examples, the flanges 212 are able to fold so asto make the tray 104 more compact for distribution and/or storage. Inone particular example, the flanges 212 form flaps that all or in partform the packaging that encloses the receptacle opening 206. Looking atFIG. 3, which shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tray 104engaged with the tray engagement structure 112 of the housing 102, theflanges 212 of the tray 104 are slidably received into respectivegrooves 302 defined in each of the tray engagement rails 114 of thehousing 102. It should be recognized that the tray 104 can be detachablysecured to the housing 102 in other manners. For example, the tray 104can include grooves and the housing 102 can include flanges that arereceived in the grooves of the tray 104. In another example, one or morehook and loop fasteners, commonly referred by the brand name Velcro®,are used to secure the tray 104 to the housing 102. In another example,a snap type connection that can be readily released by hand is used tosecure the tray 104 to the housing 102. Alternatively or additionally, alocking mechanism can be used to hold the tray 104 in position, such asa clasp or a rotating knob.

As mentioned before, the bird seed 204 can be prepackaged with in thetray 104 when sold to the consumer. This not only provides conveniencefor the consumer but also ensures that the bird seed 204 remains freshand not spoiled before use. Typically, when bird seed, especially inbulk, is not properly stored the bird seed can easily spoil so as to beunusable. By prepackaging the bird seed 204 in the individual trays 104,the bird seed 204 can be protected from detrimental environmentalconditions so as to reduce the risk of spoilage and ensure freshness.Moreover, the prepackaging of the bird seed 204 in the trays 104 reducesthe risk of an individual spilling bird seed when replenishing the birdfeeder 100. This prepackaging also allows the bird seed 204 and tray 104to be shipped using a mail order program in which an individual canorder the bird seed on an as-needed basis or using a subscription modelin which the tray 104 prepackaged with the bird seed 204 is shippedaccording to a routine schedule (e.g., once a week or month). Moreover,because the bird seed 204 is packaged in individual trays 104 and not inbulk or large amounts, individuals can be a little bit moreadventuresome in the bird seed they purchase and experiment to see whichbird seed attracts the birds they desire. In other words, thisprepackaging of the bird seed 204 makes replenishing bird seed veryconvenient for an individual.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show one example of a packaging system 400 forprepackaging and retaining the bird seed 204 in the tray 104. As shownin FIG. 4, the packaging system 400 includes a cover 402 in the form ofa foil, plastic sheet, and/or recyclable paper that is sealed to the rim209 of the receptacle walls 208 (FIG. 2) around the periphery of thereceptacle 202. The cover 402 is sealed to the tray in an air-tightfashion, such as through adhesives, heat sealing and/or ultrasonicwelding. The cover 402 includes a series of perforations 404 around theperiphery of the receptacle 202 to facilitate access to the bird seed204 inside the tray 104. The cover 402 further includes a pull tab 406that extends from the cover 402 to facilitate tearing open of the cover402 by hand along the perforations 404. The perforations 404 on thecover 402 are designed to form a cover opening 502 upon removal of aportion of the cover 402 before, during, or after the tray 104 is loadedinto the housing 102. As can be seen in FIG. 5, which shows the tray 104loaded in the housing 102 with the cover 402 removed, the lateralperforations 404 in the cover 402 are located inside of the trayengagement rails 114 of the housing 102 so that an individual can removethe cover 402 after the tray 104 is loaded in the housing. Removing thecover 402 during or after the tray 104 is loaded into the housing 102reduces the risk of spilling the bird seed 204.

FIG. 6 shows another example of a packaging system 600 for prepackagingand retaining bird seed 204 inside the tray 104. In this example, thepackaging system 600 includes a package or bag 602. As shown, the tray104 with the bird seed 204 is sealed inside the bag 602 in an air tightmanner. In the illustrated example, the bag 602 is made of clearplastic, but the bag 602 in other examples can be opaque and/or madefrom other materials, such as paper and aluminum foil. To enclose in anairtight manner, the bag 602 has one or more sealed flaps 604. In thedepicted example, the sealed flaps 604 are located at opposing ends ofthe bag 602, but the bag 602 can be sealed in other manners. The sealedflaps 604 can be sealed through heat sealing, adhesives, and crimping,to name just a few examples.

FIG. 7 shows another example of a packaging system 700 that includes thecover 402 sealing the tray 104. Like before, the cover 402 includes thepull tab 406. In this example, however, the cover 402 is sealed with thetray 104 through a releasable seal 702 that is sealed to the rim 209 ofthe tray 104. The releasable seal 702 is designed to allow the cover 402to be removed in its entirety by pulling the cover 402 off the tray 104via the pull tab 406. In one form, the releasable seal 702 includes alow tack adhesive that can release when pulled. In another form, thereleasable seal 702 is in the form of a weakened weld. As shown, thecover 402 is sized in this example so as to fit inside the trayengagement rails 114 so that the cover 402 can be removed before,during, or after the tray 104 is loaded into the housing 102.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show another variation of a packaging system 800 for atray 802. The tray 802 in this example is configured in the same manneras the tray 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the tray 802 in this exampleincludes multiple receptacles 202 for storing bird seed 204. In thedepicted example, the tray 802 includes three (3) receptacles, but thetray 802 can include more or less receptacles 202 than shown. Looking atFIG. 9, the cover 402 covers all of the receptacles 202. The receptacles202 are each surrounded by the releasable seals 702 so that eachreceptacle 202 is independently sealed in an airtight manner. The cover402 has perforations 404 between each receptacle 202 to form separatecover sections 902 that are able to be removed from the tray 802independently of one another. The cover sections 902 each include pulltabs 406 for facilitating removal of the cover sections 902 so as toallow birds access to the bird seed 204. The multiple cover sections 902allow the bird seed to be rationed over time and/or allows differentbirds to be attracted depending on the type of bird seed 204 containedin the receptacles 202 without the need of removing the tray 802 fromthe housing 102. For example, one cover section 902 can be removed eachday while the tray 104 remains in the housing 102. In another example,each receptacle 202 contains different types of bird seed 204 thatattracts different types of birds. Each cover section can be marked witha name, symbol, and/or other identifier, such as a picture of a bird, soas to identify the type of bird seed 204 and/or the type of bird thebird seed 204 attracts. An individual can remove different individual orcombinations of cover sections 902 so as to make the bird seed 204accessible to the birds. In another example, the individual can removeall of the cover sections 902 before, during, or after the tray 802 isloaded into the housing, if so desired. In another variation, the tray802 can include separate and distinct covers 402 over each receptacle202.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another packaging system 1000 for the tray104. The packaging system 1000 includes a lid 1002 that encloses thereceptacle 202 so as to retain the bird seed 204. The lid 1002 in theillustrated embodiment is a resealable type lid, but in other examples,the lid 1002 can be a one-time use type lid that can be discarded afterremoval. Looking at FIG. 11, the lid 1002 includes snap tabs 1102 thatform a snap type connection with the flanges 212 of the container 104,but in other examples, different types of devices for connection of thelid 1002 to the tray can be used.

While some of the packaging systems, such as the covers, bags, and lids,were described above as forming sir tight seals, the packaging systemsin other variations can not be airtight. For example, the packagingsystems can include holes, vents, and/or meshes that facilitate airflowthrough the bird seed, and at the same time, retains the bird seed toprevent spilling. The packaging systems can also be made from materialthat is recyclable and/or compostable.

Glossary of Definitions and Alternatives

The language used in the claims and specification is to only have itsplain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. Thewords in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinarymeaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistentdictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's andRandom House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, thefollowing definitions apply to the following terms or common variationsthereof (e.g., singular/plural forms, past/present tenses, etc.):

“Bag” generally refers to a thin piece of material, such as plastic,paper, etc., that covers or surrounds something to protect it.

“Consumable” generally refers to something that is intended to be eatenor otherwise ingested. Examples of consumables include bird feed (seeds,suet, sugar water, etc.) and medication.

“Cover” generally refers to a thing that lies on, over, or aroundsomething, especially in order to protect or conceal it.

“Detachably secured” generally refers to coupling an object to anotherobject in such a manner that the objects can be separated withoutrequiring any tools and without damaging or otherwise destroying theobjects.

“Tray” generally refers to a container with at least a partially raisedrim to form a receptacle for contents.

It should be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and thelike as used in the description and/or the claims include the pluralforms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if thespecification and/or claims refer to “a device” or “the device”, itincludes one or more of such devices.

It should be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”“bottom”, “fore”, “aft”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, “radial”,“circumferential”, etc., are used herein solely for the convenience ofthe reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of theillustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of thesedirectional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/orclaimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: opening a packagingsystem to allow access to a consumable on a tray; wherein the traydefines a receptacle in which the consumable is stored; wherein the traydefines a receptacle opening for the receptacle; wherein the tray has arim that surrounds the receptacle opening; wherein the packaging systemincludes a cover covering the receptacle of the tray; wherein thepackaging system seals the tray in an airtight manner; wherein areleasable seal seals the cover to the rim completely around thereceptacle opening to seal the tray in the airtight manner; wherein saidopening includes releasing the releasable seal; wherein said openingexposes the consumable to air; and securing the tray to a housing toform a bird feeder.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said openingoccurs after said securing the tray to the housing.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein said opening includes pulling a pull tab of a cover toremove at least part of the cover from the tray.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein said opening occurs before said securing the tray to thehousing.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the trayis made of recyclable materials; removing the tray from the housingafter said securing; and recycling the tray after said removing.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the tray is made ofcompostable materials; removing the tray from the housing after saidsecuring; and composting the tray after said removing.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said securing includes sliding the tray into one ormore grooves defined in the housing.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: protecting the consumable on the tray from an outsideenvironment with a canopy of the housing after said opening.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: hanging the housing from astructure before said securing.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: thecover includes one or more perforations; and said opening includestearing the cover along the perforations.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein said opening includes pulling a pull tab of the cover to removethe cover from the tray.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:wherein the rim forms a flange; wherein the housing includes a canopy;wherein the housing includes a tray engagement rail that defines agroove; wherein said securing includes sliding at least the flange ofthe tray into the groove of the housing; and limiting movement of thetray towards the canopy of the housing by overlapping the flange withthe tray engagement rail during said securing.
 13. The method of claim1, wherein: the releasable seal includes a low tack adhesive; and saidopening includes releasing the low tack adhesive by pulling the coverfrom the tray.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein: the releasable sealincludes a weakened weld between the cover and the rim of the tray; andsaid opening includes breaking the weakened weld by pulling the coverfrom the tray.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said opening includesremoving the entire cover from the tray.
 16. The method of claim 1,wherein the tray has a generally rectangular box shape.
 17. The methodof claim 1, wherein: the tray includes a second receptacle; the coverincludes cover sections covering the receptacle and the secondreceptacle; and said opening includes removing the cover sections fromthe receptacle and the second receptacle independently of one another.18. A method, comprising: opening a packaging system to allow access toa consumable on a tray; wherein the tray defines a receptacle in whichthe consumable is stored; wherein the packaging system includes a covercovering the receptacle of the tray; wherein the cover includes one ormore perforations; wherein the packaging system seals the tray in anairtight manner; wherein said opening includes tearing the cover alongthe perforations; wherein said opening exposes the consumable to air;and securing the tray to a housing to form a bird feeder.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein said opening includes pulling a pull tab of a coverto remove at least part of the cover from the tray.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein: the tray includes a second receptacle; the coverincludes cover sections covering the receptacle and the secondreceptacle; and said opening includes removing the cover sections fromthe receptacle and the second receptacle independently of one another.21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: wherein the tray is madeof compostable materials; removing the tray from the housing after saidsecuring; and composting the tray after said removing.
 22. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said securing includes sliding the tray into one ormore grooves defined in the housing.
 23. A method, comprising: opening apackaging system to allow access to a consumable on a tray; wherein thetray defines a first receptacle and a second receptacle in which theconsumable is stored; wherein the packaging system includes coversections covering the first receptacle and the second receptacle of thetray; wherein the packaging system seals the tray in an airtight manner;wherein said opening includes removing the cover sections from the firstreceptacle and the second receptacle independently of one another;wherein said opening exposes the consumable to air; and securing thetray to a housing to form a bird feeder.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein said opening includes pulling a pull tab of the cover sectionsto remove at least part of the cover sections from the tray.
 25. Themethod of claim 23, further comprising: wherein the tray is made ofcompostable materials; removing the tray from the housing after saidsecuring; and composting the tray after said removing.
 26. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said securing includes sliding the tray into one ormore grooves defined in the housing.